Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged four men following an investigation into the alleged kidnapping of two men last year.
On Monday 11 November 2024, officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command received a referral from the Taiwanese Consulate that a 24-year-old man had been kidnapped.
The man had contacted his father in Thailand indicating that he had been kidnapped and a ransom equivalent to approximately $480,000 AUD had to been demanded to secure his release.
Inquiries revealed that a second hostage, a 26-year-old man, was also being held.
The matter was referred to State Crime Command's Robbery & Serious Crime Squad who established Strike Force Brackley to investigate.
About 5.45am on Tuesday 12 November 2024, strike force detectives, with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit, attended an address in Ermington where they located the two hostages.
It will be alleged the men were detained and assaulted for two days over an alleged debt.
It will be further alleged one of the men was detained at a second location in western Sydney before being moved to the Ermington address.
A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm.
The man was refused bail and appeared in Burwood Local Court the next day on Wednesday 13 November 2024.
About 10.05am on Thursday 12 December 2024, strike force detectives arrested a 37-year-old man outside an office in Surry Hills.
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with take etc in company with intent get advantage occasion actual bodily harm, take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, use unauthorised pistol and driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required.
The man was refused bail and appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 13 December 2024.
About 1pm on Tuesday 11 March 2025, strike force detectives – with assistance of Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Haymarket.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.
The man was refused bail and appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 12 March 2025.
Following further inquiries, about 6.25am today (Tuesday 18 March 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from South West Metropolitan Operational Support Group – executed a search warrant in Belmore, where they arrested a 29-year-old man.
The man was taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm and participate criminal group contribute criminal.
He was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Buckley continue.
